Installing Windows from an ISO file is confusing to some people. Much of this is due to misperceptions about how the process works and what level of skill you must have to do it successfully.

The following are four easy ways to install Windows from an ISO file. This includes installing fresh and updated versions of Windows. Additionally, the .ISO file is explained, plus a list of software options is included.

ISO File Decoded

An ISO file is an exact copy of an entire optical disc. The optical disk is usually a CD or DVD.

There are two reasons for creating an ISO file on an optical disc:

• Backing up the data on an optical disc
• Distributing large data sets in easier to manage sizes

The term “ISO” comes from the operating system used by the optical media, which is usually ISO 9660.

ISO Image

An ISO image is a picture of the file you want to copy in rational data segments. By breaking it up, large files are reduced to usable forms on laptops, PC, etc. No compression is used with an ISO image. The download is completed by the normal file downloading process.

ISO File Purpose

One would create an ISO file to use the image to create a new disc or to use with another app, like Windows Installer. Most operating systems can use an ISO image as if it were the original optical disc.

This capability makes ISO files ideal for distributing large files, like operating systems.

4 Ways To Install Windows From an ISO File

The purpose of an ISO file is to make large datasets more manageable. This includes operating system files like Windows. To install windows via an ISO file, you have three options:

.ISO to DVD

This is the traditional method of transferring ISO files. With a windows file, you create an ISO file (or use one pre-installed) and burn a DVD of the contents. The DVD then becomes your master disc for whatever file you are copying.

In the case of Windows, that DVD becomes your primary method of installation.

If you cannot burn a CD or DVD, you should default to option #2 or 3.

Install From a USB Drive

This method requires that you have a USB formatting software (Rufus is usually recommended,) format the USB drive, and then use that to create the disc image, instead of a CD or DVD.

You then would use the image on the USB to install Windows onto your PC or laptop much as you would do with the DVD installation method.

The keys to this method are:

• Your USB must be bootable
• The formatting software must be reliable
• Your computer must support booting from a USB

Using Virtual DVD Software

If you are updating your operating system from a previous version of Windows to a new version of Windows, you can do so without using a DVD or USB drive. The way these methods work is to use “virtual DVD software.”

Virtual DVD software is exactly what it sounds like. It mimics a DVD drive and allows for files to be loaded and used on a PC or Laptop just as if the files were coming from a DVD or USB drive.

Technically, what happens is this:

• The Virtual DVD software downloads the .ISO file and reads it like it would a DVD
• Through My Computer, the virtual DVD is then accessible
• The computer reads and installs the Windows operating system just as if it were reading a DVD

Virtual DVD Software Recommendations

There are several viable virtual DVD software applications on the market. The following is a brief rundown of some of the most popular virtual DVD software applications.

One word to the wise: Be careful whenever you download any virtual DVD software application and read each installation window carefully. Often, the virtual app comes with additional software like anti-virus, etc., that you may not want.

Make sure you uncheck any boxes that offer to download additional software with your virtual DVD software.

DAEMON Tools Lite 10: This is one of the most popular virtual DVD software on the market. It can emulate all prominent formats for CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs. The software is free but beware of aggressive adware that comes with the installation.

With this tool, you can create up to four virtual drives. Your operating system will look at the virtual drives as if they were coming off a DVD. If you have several .ISO installs, the DAEMON tool can be licensed for multiple uses, creating up to 32 drives and .ISO images from DVD.

Virtual CloneDrive: This software can handle all common image formats, including ISO, BIN, IMG, UDF, DVD, and CCD. It emulates each as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive.

This software, while very dependable, also comes with a lot of adware that you have to opt-out of if you do not want to receive it. You can create 15 virtual drives at the same time. It also only works with Windows.

Alcohol 120%: While this sounds like a drink one might get in the punch at a frat party, it is a very reliable disc image emulator and DVD burner. The software allows you to backup DVDs, burn images to CD and DVD and it supports up to 31 virtual drives at once.

This is not free, however. If you do not purchase the software, it has very limited virtual drives and features.

MagicDisc: This software is free and it creates CD drives and DC/DVDs. You can create 15 virtual discs and you can use the utility to mount image files to use as virtual discs. You can also use MagicDisc to create an ISO image from a physical disc.

Windows Installation Software

The fourth method is to use an installer software, either one that comes with an operating system or third-party software. One reliable external option is WinsInstaller.

This installation software is quick and can process event the latest version of Windows.

.ISO Made Easy

When you break down how to use an .ISO file to load Windows like this, it does not seem nearly as tricky of a task. If you are looking for more data management solutions, check out the options at Wittytool.